People who shop with their local retailers or support a district-based community group by participating in a local community lottery could win £250 to spend in their favourite local independent shops across Breckland.

To celebrate the district’s unique independent shops and good causes, Breckland Council has launched a new competition which will run from now until to July 27 - the inaugural Norfolk Day.

Everybody who makes a purchase with a local shop through the council’s online high street portal www.shopappy.com or who buys tickets to support a local good cause at www.ourbreckland.co.uk between these dates will be entered into a prize draw to win £250 in ShopAppy.com vouchers.

The vouchers can be used with any of the local high street shops registered with the council’s initiative, which means the prize winner could choose to pick up anything from BBQ packs from their local butcher, delicious cakes from a family run bakers, the latest fashions from an independent clothes shop, or modern technology from an locally-run electrical retailer.

ShopAppy.com was launched in Breckland earlier this year to give busy shoppers a chance to browse local independent shops and purchase products online. The digital project encourages shoppers to not only shop local, but also source locally produced quality goods, which helps drive local employment, cuts down food-miles and ensures independent Breckland stores can tap into the fast moving digital e-commerce economy. More than 100 Breckland shops have since registered with the initiative.

The Our Breckland lottery also launched earlier this year and helps to raise money for local good causes, such as charities and sports groups, as 60p from every £1 ticket sold back is given to the local organisations. Paul Claussen, Breckland’s executive member for place, said: “Shoppers supporting local independent retailers is vitally important to the regional economy and jobs. By using ShopAppy.com shoppers will not only enjoy the convenience of purchasing online, but also make their purchase in the knowledge they are supporting independent retailer, who not only offer high quality products and advice, but also support the local economy and jobs.”

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